BMS, SJM backs smalltime traders against Reliance Fresh

Bhubaneswar, October 10 (Odisha.in) The fight for survival by small time traders against Reliance Fresh has got a further boost with Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and Swadeshi Jagaran Manch announced to join them in the battle Wednesday.

The organizations threatened to go for a statewide agitation against the company and urged the state government to immediately scrape all understanding with the company over the issue of Foreign Direct Investment on Retail Trade.

“Some seven lakh smalltime traders and vendors would lose their livelihood if the government allowed the company to spread its network in the state” he said.

The company has said that it plans to open 235 Reliance Fresh outlets in the state, including 11 in Bhubaneshwar and nine in Cuttack, as part of its Rs 3,000-crore roll out plan in the state.

Due to continuing protest from the vendors of the city, Reliance had to close its outlets on several occasion.

Similarly, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh State organising Secretary Muktikant Satpathy demanded that the Reliance Company should immediately leave the state and urged the state government not allow the company to open its outlets.

“Sangh will mobilise public opinion over the issue and is backing the present protests of the vendors and traders of the city against Reliance Fresh”.